nothing wrong with ghetto

Running 1x9 can give you a much better chainline actually. You can run a shorter spindle (108 instead of 113 in my case), lowering Q factor and allowing a much better chainline while in your 32 or 34. Depending on the terrain where you are, a 32, 34 or 36 would probably be the best options for a 1x9. I run a 2x9 on my race bike, with a 108 BB and 44/30t rings, and love the setup. The Q factor is a lot closer to my road bike that I train on 90% of the time too so it keeps my legs happy, and I find that a 30t is better for a mtb than a 32 for most terrain.
If you rarely use anything but the middle ring, go for 1x9. If you still want a wide gear range, pick up a 11/34 cassette.